Jack Nicklaus: Rory McIlroy Could Win 20 Majors

AKRON, OH - AUGUST 03: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland holds the Gary Player Cup trophy after winning the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational with a score of -15 during the final round at Firestone Country Club South Course on August 3, 2014 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland holds the Gary Player Cup trophy after winning the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational with a score of -15 during the final round at Firestone Country Club South Course on August 3, 2014 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

“I think Rory is an unbelievable talent,” The Golden Bear told ESPN Radio’s “Mike & Mike” Wednesday morning. “I love his swing, I love his rhythm, I love his moxie. He’s got a little swagger there, it’s a little bit cocky but not offensive. I like that. I like the self-confidence in a young man. He’s got an unbelievable amount of speed in his golf swing; he obviously hits the ball a heck of a long way. And he hits in there consistently and how he controls it.”

McIlroy is currently ranked as the world’s number one golfer. He is a three-time major champion.

“It depends on what he feels his priorities are, and that’s his call,” Nicklaus added in the interview. “I think Rory has an opportunity to win 15 or 20 majors or whatever he wants to do if he wants to keep playing. But you just don’t know what the guy’s priorities are going to be in life 10 years from now.”

McIlry has won his last two events, including the Open Championship, which was his third major.

Nicklaus is regarded as the greatest professional golfer of all time. He has won a total of 18 career major championships. He has 73 total victories, which ranks him third all-time.

Nicklaus also said that he hopes injuries do not keep Tiger Woods from pursuing his record of major championship victories. Woods currently has 14 but has not won a major since the U.S. Open in 2008.